There are six stages in the successful treatment of periodontitis:
Daily oral hygiene techniques aim to drastically reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth thereby resolve the periodontitis. Our Specialist periodontist will first explain the root cause of periodontitis and then provide clear instructions on keeping your teeth and gums clean. The Specialist will advise you on using different oral hygiene tools and techniques: It is important to emphasise that cooperating with good home oral hygiene habits is essential for a successful treatment outcome.
All bacterial deposits (plaque and calculus) are mechanically removed from all areas of the teeth, and the teeth are then polished. The exposed roots are treated with fluoride. If necessary, our dental hygienist will also remove all bacterial deposits and calculus from the deeper root surfaces and gum pockets. For patients with advanced periodontitis, numerous appointments for teeth cleaning are necessary.
In some rare cases, azithromycin OR amoxycillin are required to augment the results of deep cleaning. This is particularly true in patients under the age of 36.
After 2 - 3 months, the periodontist will carry a complete assessment of your gums to check the progress of your treatment. A particular instrument called a periodontal probe is used to record the depth of any periodontal pockets, and you will be given a score if there is bleeding from the gums. If periodontal pockets are deeper than 4mm, further treatment options may be necessary, including pocket reduction surgery.
Pocket reduction surgery is performed in cases of advanced periodontitis, where the deep pockets are not 4mm or less after deep cleaning.
The areas that need surgery are usually inaccessible to brushes and floss, so the inflammation will remain there as long as bacteria can colonise them.
Guided tissue regeneration surgery is another commonly used approach in treating persistently deep periodontal pockets after initial deep cleaning therapy. This involves using either proteins or bone-replacement grafts and membranes to reconstruct bone that has been lost because of periodontitis.
The gums are then sutured back into place to fit nicely around the teeth, and the sutures are usually left in place for one to two weeks before they are removed.
Two factors which affect the long-term success:
We cannot stress that successful periodontal treatment requires your complete adherence to our daily oral-hygiene advice and attendance at regular follow-up appointments. If you have avoided us for a while… please book a check-up. It is so essential as once you have gum disease, you will need constant support.
